PETROL and diesel-based vehicles will be the key to cleaning up the environment for at least the next two decades until new technology becomes more viable, according to Honda managing director Ken Keir. While the manufacturer is investigating new technology, such as fuel cells, the reliance on petrol and diesel means that traditional fuels will be the starting point for cleaning up the environment.

Keir said: 'I anticipate fossil fuels will be used for the next two decades and we need to improve their emissions with vehicles that absolutely suit a customer's way of life. The Insight is the next stage in the development of that environmental policy and it is the next step in a long journey.'